Hyundai, the South Korean automaker, is all set to enter the growing compact SUV and crossover segments of the Indian market. The company is preparing Elite i20 based crossover, which has already been spotted testing several times on Indian roads. It is likely to go on sale in the first half of 2015. Moreover, the company is also contemplating a compact SUV- the ix25 for the country. Codenamed as the GS, the compact SUV will measure over 4 metre in length. But, the Korean maker is aiming at 90 per cent localization to keep its cost down.
The Hyundai ix25 compact SUV will be offered in both petrol and diesel fuel options. The vehicle will share its engine line-up with the Verna sedan. It is expected to be powered by a 1.4-litre CRDi diesel and the 1.4-litre VTVT petrol units. It is also likely to get both manual and automatic transmission options. A front wheel drive version would come as standard, while a 4WD variant could also make its way to the Indian market.
The Hyundai ix25 compact SUV is already on sale in the Chinese market. It will rival against the likes of Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano and Mahindra Scorpio. To keep its cost down, the vehicle will share most of its components and features with the Elite i20. The top-spec model would feature dual airbags, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), EBD, multi-functional steering wheel, reversing camera, leather upholstery, etc.
